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Re: Greener than newbie inquiry on how to setup computer audio using Mac

Posted by xmasparty@mac.com (A) on February 27, 2006 at 06:26:25

In Reply to: Greener than newbie inquiry on how to setup computer audio using Mac posted by hartwerger on February 27, 2006 at 05:56:48:

Hi - There is a pile of information on this subject right here. Search iTunes, Airport Express and Squeezebox and you'll get a good start. Also search on my name, xmasparty@mac.com and you'll get a load of threads (topics and discussions). The good news is that except for an external hard drive which you will need eventually you have most of what you need.

There are two issues to deal with. Getting the CD data into the computer (ripping) and getting the data out of the computer, converted to music and into your preamp.

As a newbie and a Mac guy you will use iTunes to rip (transfer data from a music cd to your hard drive) in a format called Apple Lossless which you select under Preferences/Advanced/Importing. The critical thing to remember is that at the time you select this, you need to also select (check) "Use error correction when reading Audio CDs".

Now that you have the data in the computer, you need to get it out of the computer and into your Mapletree. There are three good ways to do this.

One is with a USB device - the nice rig is a USB DAC. Send the DAC output to your pre. Practically speaking there is a proximity limitation since USB only goes to 15'. Prices are about $500 to $2,500.

The second, somewhat more cost effective way to go is to use a SLIM Device Squeezebox. This is an Ethernet based device that has both analog out and a SPDIF out. Out of the box quality is considered very good by most people, and there are some modders if you're not quite happy. This is very flexible - you can get a Ethernet hardwired version or a wireless WiFi (802.11g) version.

The third, simplest and least expensive choice is to use Airport Express with Air Tunes and get the cable to plug into your preamp. This is also a 802.11g solution - I put the link below.

The good news is that the iTunes Library you create as your rip your CDs will work equally well with all three of these solutions.

Enjoy the music.

• http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/   (Open in New Window)

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Atma-Sphere Music Systems, Inc.

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